Many of these issues contribute to kids making poor decisions and we don’t want to it affect their future.

Factors contributing to "At-Risk Youth"

FAILURE IN SCHOOL- Being a year behind or failing school is a large factor in predicting future criminal behavior. Indicators are: poor academic performance, poor attendance, expulsion or dropping out of school. Not being in school reduces the chance that juveniles will develop the “skill sets” that are gained from school: social skills, following instructions, dealing with peers

PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS- things such as running away, frequently stealing, conduct problems in school, out late at night/missed curfew, overly aggressive

FAMILY PROBLEMS- A family history of criminal activity. Children exposed to sexual or physical abuse, or children subject to neglect or abandonment. Lack of parental control

SUBSTANCE ABUSE- recreational use of drug or alcohol, arrests for drug and alcohol possession or sales. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol lowers a person’s inhibitions and leads to poor decisions

GANG MEMBERSHIP- gang membership at any age is associated with future criminal activity. Gangs target and recruit juveniles, because the young are easier to persuade. Coincidentally, juveniles with the above factors (not being in school, and rocky family life) are more likely to join a gang, and therefore more likely to get arrested and become a part of the criminal system.